15 November Square (Praça XV de Novembro) is a historic square in Rio de Janeiro’s city center. The center of imperial life once revolved around it and there are several important buildings nearby. The monument in the center is dedicated to João VI of Portugal.
The Candelária Church (Nossa Senhora da Candelária) is one of the most beautiful churches in Brazil. It sits on Pius X Square (Praça Pio X) in Rio de Janeiro’s city center and was built starting in 1775.
As a football fan, I’ve been on a lot of stadium tours, but none have given me chills like I had walking onto the field at Maracanã Stadium (Estádio do Maracanã). This historic stadium in football-crazy Rio de Janeiro is the Mecca of football. I’ve been on BETTER stadium tours in more beautiful stadiums, but none in a place as significant as Maracanã.
Petrópolis is a city in the highlands of Brazil, not too far from Rio de Janeiro. It was the summer residence of Brazilian emperors in the 19th century. Besides a beautiful drive from Rio through green forested hills, the climate is cooler and less humid, making it a nice escape for a day.
“Don’t go to a favela, they’re too dangerous”. “Favelas are full of crime and drugs”. “Didn’t you see City of God? The people in the favela will murder you!”
Santa Teresa is the bohemian quarter of Rio de Janeiro. With some gorgeous views of the city and plenty of interesting places to visit, it’s one area that can’t be missed. The famous stairway, Escadaria Selarón, leads from Lapa up to the Santa Teresa neighborhood.
Just outside of Rio de Janeiro city center is the Sambadrome. It’s converted into one of the most important areas of the city for a few days a year.
The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading (Real Gabinete Português de Leitura), one of the most magnificent libraries in the world, is located in Rio de Janeiro’s city center.
The city center of Rio de Janeiro is home to some much-loved historic cafés that are worth popping into. They serve as meeting places for friends, places for business deals, somewhere to grab a quick bite, or to pass the time away chatting.
Most people come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, scenery, and nightlife, but there is plenty to see in the historic city center, including the heart of the city, Largo da Carioca.